Getting out and about
© iStock

Five Travel Tips from a Penguin Parade

You can learn a lot of things from a jackass.

It’s not often that I get to start a story with a tribute to a jackass.

In this case, I’m talking about the jackass penguin, or African blackfooted penguin. (The unfortunate nickname of “jackass” comes from the honking sound they make, reminiscent of a donkey braying.)

I first learned of these penguins when I saw their penchant for curiosity and wanderlust in a whimsical YouTube video. They were the stars of the penguin parade at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

(If video does not display, watch it here.)

Who doesn’t love waddling penguins? They always seem to be on their way to something important. And these Monterey Bay Aquarium penguins clearly love a leisurely stroll around the building.

They get to see their colleagues’ exhibits. They can peruse the gift shop. They can check out the human population and pose for the paparazzi. And, they can investigate the hallways and open spaces outside their own habitat, exploring new sights, sounds, and smells.

A stroll through the Monterey Bay Aquarium
© Monterey Bay Aquarium/Photo by Randy Wilder

“A lot of our penguins are curious,” says Aimee Greenebaum, the Associate Curator of Aviculture at the aquarium. ” We wanted to provide them with some fun enrichment.”

The aquarium also wanted to bring attention the declining penguin population in the wild. The African blackfooted penguin is an endangered species.

“Our hope is that the aquarium visitors will get inspired to do what they can to help the wild populations,” Aimee explains.

Who doesn’t love a waddling penguin?
© Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Penguin Parade Offers “Oh, I See” Moments

As it turns out, these penguin walks happen around the world, with several different species. Penguins like to get out and about, as we all do.

Our penguin friends have some admirable traits, particularly when applied to traveling. Here are five “Oh, I see” moments inspired by the penguin parade.

1. A Change of Scenery

When the familiar starts to become too familiar, or when rhythms become ruts, a change of scenery can shake things up.

Visiting a new place or a new country, or even just walking a different path or meeting new friends, sharpens our senses and provides a needed jolt for the brain. Add a dash of the physical, and body and mind are healthier and happier.

A day at the beach (the poignant pauses)
© iStock

2. The Poignant Pauses

A “day at the beach” can be a metaphor for any kind of relaxing—whether it’s lolling on sunny sand or sitting at a café for hours watching the theater of life.

Traveling is not about filling every moment with activity. As in memorable music, the pauses between the notes are important . . . and are often the most meaningful.

3. A Unique Perspective

Sometimes you have to separate yourself from the crowd to develop your own perspective—to hear the voice of your own personality rather than the influence of others.

One of the young Monterey Bay Aquarium penguins, Rey, loves to investigate the humans in the crowd. She becomes so fixated on this mission that she doesn’t notice she’s been left behind by the other birds.

When she finally looks around and realizes she’s alone, she waddles quickly to catch up. But she seems to have a knowing smile (or whatever might be the penguin equivalent), confirming that following her own passion was worthwhile.

Appreciating your travel companions
© iStock

4. An Explorer’s Attitude

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, every penguin parade is different. “It depends on which birds decide to come out,” explains the aviculturist.

She mentions that a few of the males cannot come out together because they start bickering as soon as the gate is open. Thus, they are left behind. Nobody likes a bickering jackass.

There’s a lesson there for the traveler. It’s true that everyone gets a little grumpy when on the road. After all, we’re out of our comfort zone and things don’t always go as planned (bad weather, no room at the inn, bus strikes, plane delays, flat tires on bumpy roads, lost wallets).

But when bickering might keep us from exploration and opportunity, it’s time to treat the challenges as the adventures they are and to value our traveling companions as the friends that they are.

Stopping to smell the roses
© Meredith Mullins

5. The Beauty of the Moment

We (hopefully) know the value of “stopping to smell the roses” or pausing for a sunset (or tugging on a shoestring or loosely hanging clothes if you happen to be an aquarium penguin on parade). It’s easy to get captivated by many different kinds of things, especially when you are inherently curious.

What is important is to know that these pleasures aren’t really distractions from life. They are, in fact, what life is all about.

Everyone Loves a (Penguin) Parade

I admire these African blackfooted penguins on parade. I love watching them feed their wanderlust on their waddling journey. And I can’t help but think that—even if you’re a flightless bird—with the right attitude and opportunities, you can soar.

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.